Frisco II
So much to see... two trips (and two pages) may not do it justice.

The following photos were taken on another wintery day, only in late April. For this round, our host was Jim Drysdale. We'd met early that morning for a visit to Indian Peak and the Needle Range of western Beaver County. After several weather-hindered attempts at seeing something new, we agreed on returning to Frisco for more photos.

As fortune would have it, our "agreement" was brightened by a break in the clouds and an amazing tour of the area. Jim, having been here before, receiving a guided tour from a local, was able to get me and Ryan to a few of the most photo-worthy sites in quick fashion. (Jim will be adding more photos here).

Jim and Ryan in the foreground.

The timbers used in building this structure are huge. Hence they have remained standing for more than 100 years. It must have been an accomplishment in itself getting the timbers up here from the bottom of the hill.

Jim Drysdale
Jim Drysdale (left), Ryan Crockett (center), Dave Crockett (right).

Several of Frisco's structures are found in relatively sound condition thanks to the stewardship of private owners. Vandals have, however, still left their mark. Other buildings made of more common building materials have suffered the ravages of the harsh elements, as well as the ravages of a few idiots over the years.

WARNING: Preservation of the town's structures is not the only motive behind the fences and "No Trespassing" signs. If you are accompanied by children on a walk through Frisco, please keep them within your reach. There are many very deep shafts and dangerous places. Some are marked with wire fences to keep people from falling in. Some shafts are so deep that a fall would mean certain death. Keep upwind from unusual odors, unstable ground, and shafts. Remain on trails, and don't be a fool.

Pictured below are a few more buildings and structures in varying stages of decay. It would be easy to spend several hours, if not days, photographing Frisco.

 

Excerpt from Some Dreams Die by George A. Thompson, Dream Garden Press, Salt Lake City, ©1982 and 1999 "Murders were daily fare at Frisco. Two men killed each other over a 50¢ bet! As many as a dozen men were killed each night. If you doubt it, count the crosses on boothill! Finally, it got so out of hand that city fathers hired Marshal Pearson from Pioche, Nevada and gave him a free hand in cleaning out the outlaws and murderers. Pearson made his policy clear the first day. He would have no jail, make no arrests and there would be no bail or appeals. Outlaws were given two choices, get out or get shot! Some didn't think he meant business, but they changed their minds when he killed six men his first night on the job! He still had to convince a few, but most got the idea and left for easier pickings. Frisco and the San Francisco Mountains were named for St. Francis, Patron Saint of Wildlife. It was a good name, for Frisco certainly had plenty of wild life!"

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